Holes and Poles is back for another year to offer a musical alternative for the gay and lesbian scene, writes Matthew Lehmann.

From the twisted genius of event organiser, Anthony Smith (Dizzygotheca, Master & Stryker), this year’s Holes and Poles show will feature the cream of queer alternative music talent this town has to offer.

The aim of the event is to celebrate diversity and alternative queer culture, and Smith says there's long been a need for an event such as this in Brisbane.

“Holes and Poles is something that I've wanted to do for quite some time. After the success of last year’s show I decided to make it an annual event, and I want to make it a event to remember.

“I also wanted it to be a showcase for queer-centric bands to perform and support their scene. Initially, I received a fair bit of criticism and negative response from the gay community for holding a show that's a platform for queer bands. Not to say that musicians with queer themes are segregated in this town, but there are some bands that just aren't accepted at some venues considering their subject matter. Some people just get it or they don't”. 

The event is also a fundraiser for the Brisbane Pride Festival (BPF).

“I'm a proud supporter of everything that the BPF does and I wanted to do my bit to show support. I'd like to give back anything that helps. I'm excited about the upcoming show and am glad that all the bands and DJs have offered their time.”

It's also one of the last ever shows to be featured at the Waterloo Hotel.

“The first Holes and Poles event was held at the Globe theatre, but this year we decided to spread our wings and book it at the Waterloo Hotel. It's such a shame that that venue is closing its doors after so many years.

“Funnily enough, some of the last shows to be held at the Waterloo are queer themed events. Hopefully that place will go out with a bang!”

Suzy Loves Dick

With tongues planted firmly in cheek (and amps that go to 11), Brisbane’s Suzy Loves Dick "always takes the proceedings up a few decibels, to deliver a 70's LA vibe mixed with a little T-Rex shimmy-shake,” according to Time Off.

A Suzy Loves Dick live show is the quintessence of old-school rock/punk energy influenced heavily by the CBGBs era. Wowing crowds last year with their in-your-face-rock, the boys are back!

Anal Traffic

Pushing queer punk rock in a latex glove to the shoulder, Brisbane’s Anal Traffic may mince, but certainly not words. Packing 80’s synth lines with in your face punk rock, the boys know how you touch you up with songs about fucking straight men, fisting and messy sex. Pretty much a usual Anal Traffic Friday night.

Girl With Cake

Girl With Cake started off as a bunch of lovely girls who loved nothing better than to sit down with a nice slice of cake and play heavy (and sometimes pretty friendly) deadly music. Best described as indie-rock with a punk edge, they originate from the sunny, stinky shores of beautiful, shining Briz-vegas and had the crowd in a frenzy last year!

Jacob Diefenbach

Jacob has firmly established himself on Brisbane’s local music scene with his prodigious piano skills and instantly memorable vocal sound. Currently making his mark on Brisbane's live music scene, Jacob Diefenbach is one to watch!

Hot2Go

Hot 2 Go specialise in club-worthy disco and dance music that assures a good (and dirty) time on the floor. These boy's music is unashamedly sexual in content, gay techno with a wonderful 80’s diversity of sound and instrumentation. Glimpses of Soft Cell, Dead or Alive, and the mythical Erasure are all over. As proudly gay as Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and just as bumpable!

DJ Wolvie Trash

DJ Wolvie Trash (pictured, top), aka the human jukebox, offers a vinyl revival of the latest, greatest and retro dancefloor hits. Expect to lose your musical virginity to a variety of rock'n'roll, cheesy pop, indie, glam, punk, new wave, noise, 60's soul, swamp and rhythm 'n' blues.

DJ Elektropanda

DJ Elektropanda is a 21 year old queer alternative dj who has just merged in the Brisbane scene, she’s been playing at private parties and is booked in to play at the Cut & Taste after pride party. She plays deep, sexy electro, minimal, house, tech and tribal and the occasional rave set.

DJ Dud

Well known on the queer alternative scene, expect a hard hitting and full throttle set from the king of Berlin.

Holes and Poles is at the Waterloo Hotel on June 21. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/holesandpoles